Sitting In: Rock Guitar: Guitar Book & DVD-ROM

This book cuts through the isolation of solo practice by simulating the real conditions of ensemble playing, where comping and soloing require constant musical dialogue and responsiveness. Meeker's sequencing moves logically from foundational rhythmic and harmonic concepts through increasingly sophisticated band dynamics, so students gain confidence before tackling complex interactions. The TNT 2 software integration transforms practice from passive playback into an active laboratory where students control tempo, key, and isolation of individual parts.

These songs crackle with the energy of a working band. You're no longer playing to a metronome or a click track; you're trading ideas with a drummer, locking in with a bassist, and responding to a full harmonic foundation that pushes you to listen and react in real time.

Rock guitarists who are ready to move beyond isolated technique exercises and want to develop the interactive skills needed for ensemble playing. This book serves students at the intermediate level who understand chord progressions and basic improvisation but need structured practice with a functioning band context to build confidence and musicality.

• Isolate the drum and bass tracks first using the TNT 2 software to lock in your rhythmic pocket before adding melodic comping or solo lines.
• Record your own solo passes at different tempos and listen back to identify phrasing patterns that work well with the band's groove.
• Transpose individual tracks down a half step or whole step once you're comfortable at the original key; this builds fluency across the fretboard and reveals new chord voicings in familiar patterns.
• Loop the rhythm section only and practice switching between comping and soloing without stopping, mimicking the real-time decisions you make when sitting in with live musicians.

Use this book during the second half of the academic year when students have solid foundational skills and benefit from ensemble experience without the coordination challenges of live group rehearsal. It pairs naturally with a solo recital or performance assessment, since students hear and internalize the sound of their own playing within a polished band context.

• Rhythmic comping over steady grooves in rock styles
• Solo phrasing and melodic call-and-response with rhythm section
• Listening and responding to drums, bass, and harmonic changes in real time
• Transposition and chord voicing adaptability
• Time feel and pocket awareness in rock idioms
• Audio manipulation for targeted practice using DAW-style software tools